I underestimated this hike a bit. It is definitely harder than I thought. But depending on the trail you take it could be easier. Landslides have removed part of the old trail so you have to travel on the dried up river bed which is fine. A lot of shade. Towards the end there was a clearing for sun but it is overall shady. Lots of river crossings. Bring some good boots or waterproof shoes. Some extra socks would be good too. Lots of fun! Very beautiful. Chances to see mountain goats which I saw none. Bungee jumping at the end. Expensive! $120. Wear some good pants. Wasn’t a lot of people there. There are some camp sites there as well. Next to a shooting range too.

Fantastic hike!!!! One of the best that I have accomplished this year. It is 11.4 miles, not 13, but if you don't like going down hill, the last 2.5 miles will feel like 5 miles. As others have said it is that first (and last) 2.5 miles that are the steepest. The middle is relatively easy (if you are used to big hikes) while the switchbacks make the last mile quite doable. Very pretty, no steep drop offs, lots to look at, the rock and tree formations are fantastic. The Forest Service office in Idyllwild opens at 8 but you can also get a permit in the outdoor kiosk.

This hike should be rated easy. It’s pretty much a strain hike with a little here and there incline. An excellent hike to take a dog. Lots of water through out the whole hike. It’s just long but not hard. However the drive to get there is a different story. It’s about 5 miles through winding rounds that you have to share with a lot of bicyclists. It’s only a two lane road. Which feels like forever when your trying to leave.

This is great training hike for those wanting to do bigger peaks. SoCal has several extreme hikes that reach the tallest summits that are way more demanding. So this is a great hike to dial your gear and strategy for success.

I really tried to like this hike, but it just didn’t do it for me. I’ve hiked quite a few trails in the Angeles Forest and this was one of my least favorite. Not much variety in scenery, many water crossings, trail not well marked, and the bridge itself was interesting, but a bit underwhelming. If you’re looking for a longer hike, I found the Zion Loop very enjoyable with lots of shade.

Did the loop counterclockwise, going up past the ski hut, and then on to the summit. Back down via Devil’s Backbone, I skipped the ski lift ride down because I didn’t want to cheat, but I would definitely opt to ride the lift down next time because it circumvents the most uninteresting part of the hike. Weather was chilly in the morning, light wind on the summit, got pretty warm on the way down. Dress in layers, it’s essential here.

I definitely think counterclockwise is the way to do Mt. Baldy, it’s absolutely phenomenal going up and around the Baldy Bowl. Every inch of it is breathtaking. It’s quite steep, but I think any fit person could do this hike with a little bit of training. The trail can be tricky to follow after you leave the ski hut, just stay focused and reference the GPS on this app when needed. Traversing the infamous Devil’s Backbone was very scenic and slightly terrifying. Numerous hikers have died on this section in the winter and it’s easy to see why. With zero snow on the trail, like today, the risk factor was marginal. Check conditions with the ranger station, and don’t attempt it if there’s snow, unless you have mountaineering equipment and you know what the hell you’re doing!

Left the car at 8:10a, got to the ski hut 9:45a, summit at 11:15a, back at the car 2:15p. I carried 3 liters of water, probably could’ve gotten by with less. There’s several streams and water sources along the Baldy Bowl side of the hike if you want to collect and filter.

This hike is absolutely incredible, I loved every mile of it and would definitely do it again.

We started on the trailhead around 9:30 and were back at our car at 3:00pm - best time of day to avoid hiking in the heat! Tons of shade in the morning on the way out, and tons of yuccas, trees, and shrubs filled the canyon. The river crossings (there are many) were a bit dicey on the rocks, so get good boots or walk through the shallow water rather than risk a bad slipping off rocks! Watch your footing, too - there’s a lot of loose gravel and a few narrow stretches of the trail. Bring at least 150oz of water per person, wear jeans and a wide brimmed hat - you’ll be glad you did! It’s amazing to bring lunch or food snacks to enjoy near the pools under the bridge.

THE GOOD: Amazing views, lovely vegetation, mix of shade and sun, and having lunch under the bridge. You really feel the river come alive, seeing it rush with deep pools and twists and bends. Bonus - you might see bighorn sheep!

THE BAD: The trail was much more crowded than it was during my last weekend visit 6 years ago, and the bungee jumping operation has totally taken over the vibe of the bridge area. Go on a weekday you have off to avoid the crowds and bungee jumpers. Also, watch out for the yuccas on the trail! They will get your legs - jeans are recommended.

This was my third time on the trail, and I took two friends who had never been. It’s always an adventure, and the lush growth really gave the terrain an ethereal, almost Jurassic look - a special canyon hike I hope to return to!

Did the hike today. Trail was very nice, very gusty winds and it does get below freezing with the wind chill starting after the ski center. Recommend dressing appropriately. Devils backbone trail was clear, no snow until you get close to summit and even then only a few patches. Fantastic views, the most significant wildlife I saw was a cat at the ski center.

For first timers, start early, pack layers, go up the Baldy Notch trail as opposed to the ski-hut trail since you do a more gradual ascent on Baldy Notch (6.5 miles) as opposed to Ski Hut trail (3.5 miles with same ascent) . Also be prepared for the serious ascent after you get pass the ski hut, you're going to work those legs as everything leading up to Devils backbone and through it will be pretty steep climb.

This was such a easy short hike. You walk along the dry river for a bit then take a little trail up into the canyon. a small section of scrambling and climbing for maybe 5 minutes. Just enough to get ur blood pumping then soon enough ur there. the waterfall is beautiful. Lots of large rocks and scenery. It's the perfect area to have a little picnic and relax..